The River Road Historical Society Board of Directors recently announce that the 2013 Destrehan Plantation Fall Festival Nov. 9-10 will be dedicated to Nancy Robert, the plantation's executive director.

The unstinting dedication of Robert for the last 25 years with 16 years as executive director has helped to make Destrehan Plantation a vital growing concern, board members said. Robert has served as chairman of the fall festival for the past 24 years and will serve again in that capacity during the 2013 festival.

During her tenure as director, the plantation has gained a main office building, welcome and ticket center, historic hay barn, mule barn event facility, working detached kitchen, overseer’s house museum, Harvey Legacy Room, stage and pavilions, demonstration area and River display and meeting room.

Robert recently hosted the beginning fund-raising event of a new effort to expand the focus of Destrehan plantation by adding a tourism welcome center and bed and breakfast cottages, as well as a larger main office.

The 42nd annual fall festival will be held Nov. 9-10 on the manor house grounds on River Road in Destrehan. It is the major fund-raiser for the non-profit River Road Historical Society, which operates the plantation.

The festival gives the local population a chance to see first hand the growth of this premier historic attraction as well as enjoy the handcrafts and antiques for sale and the local cuisine.

Admission is $7 for adults and teens, with children 12 and under admitted for free.

The Top Cats will provide music Nov. 9 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Local Option will perform Nov. 10 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

Antiques and collectibles will be available in the Mule Barn. A wide selection of Cajun and Creole foods will be sold. Children’s activities such as pony rides, face painting and a Eurobungy jump will be available.

Guided tours of the plantation house will be available for an additional fee.